Proposed group home raises ire in Leicester

Tuesday

Jul 22, 2014 at 6:00 AM

By Susan Gonsalves CORRESPONDENT

LEICESTER — Providing a group home for people with developmental disabilities is a lot different than housing juveniles and adults with criminal records trying to transition back into society. And the latter population raises security concerns, will drive down property values and strain the Police Department. That was the message voiced by approximately 75 residents who packed the selectmen's meeting Monday night to offer comments about property on 2 Brickyard Road slated to be operated by the nonprofit Community Resources for Justice, with programs including help for former criminal offenders.

Although the individuals in question are under the purview of the state Department of Developmental Services, that entity will not be actively involved in day-to-day operations, according to Town Administrator Kevin Mizikar.

When residents and selectmen got wind of the plans a couple of weeks ago, the administrator determined that five adults will be moved into the house and supervised around the clock by three staff members, each working eight-hour shifts.

He said that no special permitting or zoning changes are needed because the building code for single-family and two-single family houses allows for up to five unrelated individuals to live together.

But Planning Board member David Wright disagreed, saying that the plans constitute a change of use and occupancy and should not be allowed. On a personal level, he echoed other residents' concerns that sex offenders, drug addicts and other recently imprisoned people could live in the home on the quiet cul-de-sac.

Tim Alves, who said he is the father of three young children, lamented the possibility that sex offenders of any level could live in his neighborhood. "It's not the reason I bought a house in that neighborhood and moved to Leicester." He spoke about poor lighting on the street and questioned whether police patrols would be beefed up.

Other residents called for the town to draft bylaws restricting the housing of sex offenders to certain locations and suggested the town look at a Spencer bylaw that places such restrictions.

One resident asked if everyone in the neighborhood would have to get gun permits to protect themselves and their homes in the wake of this development.

Another neighbor, Len Ivel, said the group home would lower property values and asked whether the residences would be reassessed and homeowners receive reimbursement for their losses. His questions were met with loud applause.

Selectman Douglas Belanger noted that towns have very limited ability to say no and control state-mandated group facilities. With past similar projects, however, town officials met with key parties to get assurance and more clarity, something that is needed in this case, he said.

Tom Buckley, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, told residents that the board would do everything in its power to see that the concerns are addressed at the local and state level and would put the matter on a future agenda and invite CRJ representatives to attend and provide clarifications.

"I grew up and lived in Leicester my whole life," Mr. Buckley said. "I don't want to discriminate against anyone, but I want my home to be safe. We need to get answers and find out what can or cannot be done."